For the women, Emma Heath excelled in 1:46:06, with support from Rachel Jones (1:57:04) and Sam Brookes (2:17:05).

Also off road, it was the first race of the 2018 Summer Series at Tittesworth near Leek, Andy Mayers clocking 32:10 and Dave Nimmo 32:12. It was another busy weekend for Parkrun, with Harriers in action at the free 5k events across the region.

At Congleton, Phil Kidman finished in 23:13 and Rachel Beach 25:56.

Mel Cole did the Erddig event in 23:27.

Ben Gregory clocked 28:27 at Northwich and Claire Allman 28:21 at the Whammy in Newcastle under Lyme.

Kerry Podmore completed the Fort William event in Scotland in 28:55.

There was the usual big turnout of Harriers at the Crewe Parkrun in Queens Park, where Brad Smith finished second in 18:04, Nick Hackett fourth in 18:49, David Hook ninth in 20:28 and Craig Williams 13th in 21:23.

They were followed by John Putt (22:04), Steve Harrison (22:25), while Sue Poole was fourth lady in 23:51 and Claire Kivlin sixth in 24:20.